HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A 27-year-old Lyft driver is charged with battery by strangulation after an incident involving a female rider, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) announced Tuesday.
HCSO arrested the man, Joaquin Mena Vazquez, following an investigation.
"On October 8, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation after the victim came forward and reported that she was assaulted by a Lyft driver," said Jessica Lang with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
WATCH: Lyft driver charged, arrested after choking, threatening female rider: Hillsborough Sheriff
According to HCSO, Mena Vazquez pulled the vehicle into a grassy area and placed it in park, when en route to the female rider's destination.
HCSO reports Mena Vazquez went to the backseat, choked the female rider, and threatened to kill her.
"I also want to take a moment to commend the bravery of this victim," said Lang. "In that moment, she was able to gather up all the courage and all the wit she had in her and get him to stop, and that's when she exited the vehicle and then reported the assault to us."
Lyft records revealed two prior complaints of inappropriate conduct involving Mena Vazquez, per HCSO's investigation. Those incidents are currently under investigation.
"This victim simply wanted to get home safely, and instead, she was met with violence and fear for her life. This kind of predatory behavior will not be ignored," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I commend the victim for coming forward. Her courage may have stopped this suspect from harming someone else. Predators who target innocent people have no place in our community.”
Authorities arrested Mena Vazquez without incident on Jan. 29.
He faces charges of battery by strangulation and false imprisonment. This investigation remains active.
“The behavior described is appalling and will not be tolerated," a Lyft spokesperson said. "The driver was removed from the Lyft platform and we attempted to contact the rider to offer our support, and remain available. We have been in contact with law enforcement and stand ready to assist their investigation.”
Tampa Bay 28 spoke to Brian Anderson-Needham, the co-owner of Weapon Brand. They teach self-defense.
He highlighted the importance of being alert and aware.
"If you're the driver or you're the passenger, just watch what those people are doing, just pay attention to different things. Are they fidgety, are they moving around, are they looking for possible witnesses," said Anderson-Needham. "Test the door, just see if there's a way you can escape, and if you start to get that feeling that you have to do it anyway, just get out."
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